The relationship between peer relationship, social support and depressive symptoms
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54097/ch3nnv56Keywords:
peer relation, depressive symptom, Mental HealthAbstract
In a society with high-intensity and high-pressure, more people have shown signs of depression. This study examines the interaction between peer relationship(PR) and depressive symptoms(DS), emphasizing the social support(SS) role that presenting a protective trait in mental health based on longitudinal data and cross-sectional surveys (students, university populations, perinatal women). Results indicate that each additional friend is associated with further symptom reduction; trust-based PR act as a psychological "safe haven." Self-efficacy mediates the negative link between secure peer attachment and depression. Family and teacher support consistently alleviate symptoms, whereas peer support’s inconsistent predictive power (due to ambiguous friendship definitions) weakens in integrated models. Spousal support emerges as most protective for adults. PR and SS play significant roles in influencing DS. The amount and quality of PR, and forms sources of support from society, have complex and variable impacts on spiritual health. This study presents future research directions.
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